This offensive statement is not meant to be directed toward others but to myself. One of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves is to shut up. I am speaking of taking control of our speech. If you have not considered that you need to control your tongue, I would encourage you to join me as we focus on this necessity as followers of Jesus.
One of the lost disciplines for many followers of Jesus is that of journaling. One of the benefits of journaling is that it reveals areas that the Lord is emphasizing in our lives. A journal of our quiet devotional time is a way to record insights from our time in the Word and prayer. It is also incredibly helpful in revealing themes that the Lord keeps bringing to our attention. The focus for me over the last year has been on controlling my tongue.
Most recently I have been impacted by James’ admonition, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (James 3:1–2). The challenge to those who are mature is to focus on that little muscular organ in our mouths that has the tendency for catastrophic damage.
It is interesting that the human tongue (which averages at 3” long and 2.5” inches wide) facilitates chewing, breathing and even speaking. It is responsible for not only keeping us alive but it also enhances our lives by allowing us to taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and savory flavors. It makes food enjoyable, like chocolate for instance. It is also essential for clear communication by facilitating the pronunciation of sounds necessary for words. Try saying “thank you” without using your tongue. The tongue is also used for our verbal communication to encourage and instruct one another.
James’ use of the tongue is a metaphor for our communication to others. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to the use of our tongues that James addresses: our improper communication! “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7–8).
The Bible is filled with many references about the dangers in what we say. Solomon instructs his son, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19). Godly King David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14). And Jesus instructs us, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45). The results of the improper use of the tongue are responsible for cursing, flattery, evil speaking, lying, slander, boasting, deceit, reveling, foolish talk, crude joking, careless words, malice, false teaching, filthy speech, crooked speech and angry speech!
The secret to gaining control of what comes out from between our lips is to be more disciplined. This is a byproduct of our growing relationship with our Lord and Savior by spending time with Him and in the Word. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6). It is time that we “Zip it!” by taking control over our words.
-Pastor Joe Parkinson